Saints 20th Season Begins With Yellow Ribbon Ceremony

ST. PAUL, MNMay 14, 2012

Saints 20th Season Begins With Yellow Ribbon Ceremony

May 14, 2012 at 5:15 PM

ST. PAUL, MN (May 14, 2011) – Opening night in baseball is always considered an important evening, but for the St. Paul Saints it will be even more meaningful as three cities, one county and a company will all be recognized as a Yellow Ribbon entities. In addition to the proclamation the St. Paul Saints along with Cub Foods, Hiway Federal Credit Union and AUSA will continue the tradition of honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces during the team’s first regular season game, Military Appreciation Night on Thursday, May 17.

Blaine, West St. Paul and St. Paul have earned the designation as Yellow Ribbon Cities, Suburban Ramsey County has earned the designation of a Yellow Ribbon County and Hennepin Technical College will also receive recognition as the newest Yellow Ribbon Company.

Governor Mark Dayton and Mayor Chris Coleman will be in attendance at the game on May 17 and will read the proclamation at 6:45 p.m.

For an entity to become a Yellow Ribbon recipient they must complete a 16 step process that guides them through identifying and developing resources for military families in all key areas of their community or company.

Since its inception in 2004, Cub Foods and AUSA have been proud partners of Military Appreciation Night with longtime Saints partner Hiway Federal Credit Union joining the night for the first time. Cub Foods and Hiway Federal Credit Union’s generosity continues this season as both organizations have purchased 3,000 tickets for the game to be given to Minnesota servicemen and women, veterans and their families. Those military families interested in attending the game can contact the Saints on how and where to pick up their tickets. AUSA will coordinate the pre-game festivities and special events during the night. The game is scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. following a pre-game ceremony featuring the pomp and circumstance of Opening Day.

“Cub Foods is proud to partner with the St. Paul Saints to honor military members serving our country at home and abroad,” said Chuck Lynch, Cub Foods Senior Vice President of Operations. “Year after year, Military Appreciation Night gathers military families together as a community for an evening of fun for the entire family.”

The Saints have enjoyed a strong partnership with various branches of the Armed Forces for years. Saints players have taken part in going to various military bases around the state. They have flown on Blackhawk Helicopters, visited kids of military families, conducted camps and signed autographs.

“We are proud this night continues to grow and are appreciative of the partnerships with Cub Foods, Hiway Federal Credit Union and AUSA, to make this one of the most memorable and special nights of the season,” said Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Derek Sharrer. “This is just one way we plan on honoring the men and women of our military this season.”

Cub Foods has been bringing more to your table by providing the best grocery value to their customers. They currently operate 69 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois with 58 of those stores located in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

Hiway was founded in 1931 to serve employees of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT). Since then they have expanded their charter and now extend an invitation for membership to individuals and select employee groups.

“Hiway Federal Credit Union is proud to celebrate the kick-off of the Saints baseball season,” said Hiway Federal Credit Union Assistant Vice President, Business Development Bill Wagner. “We would like to congratulate the City of St Paul on becoming a Yellow Ribbon community and to thank all of our Military Families for their service and sacrifice to our state and country.”

Since 1950, AUSA has worked to support all aspects of our national security while advancing the interests of America’s Army and the men and women who serve. They are a private, non-profit educational organization that supports America’s Army.

“At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) we take care of the families of the deployed,” said Curt Cooper President of the Vessey Chapter of AUSA. “We’re excited for Saints fans to attend the May 12 game and shake the hands of some of the real heroes walking our streets.”

Tickets for Military Appreciation Night are $5 for general admission, $8 for outfield reserved and $12 for infield reserved. Tickets purchased on the Day of the Game are an additional $1 per ticket. Children under the age of 14 and seniors 65 and older receive $1 off the admission price. Children under 2 that don't require a seat are free.

The regular season begins Thursday, May 17 and tickets for all Saints exhibition and regular season home games are available now in person at the Saints Box Office, by phone at 651-644-6659 or online at saintsbaseball.com.